suitcase

Flying with a red, blue or green suitcase could be a bad idea

Planning and setting off on a getaway is among life’s finest pleasures, but sometimes, events outside your control can occur. Flights might get axed, accommodation double-booked, or in the most serious cases, you could become a target for criminals.

Whilst remaining vigilant is crucial, there are several steps you can take prior to departure to guarantee your possessions and personal items stay safe at the airport and during your travels. Shahzad Ali, security specialist and CEO of Get Licensed, revealed his key tips for safeguarding your luggage while on holiday.

He urged passengers to steer clear of brightly coloured luggage at all costs, as it could draw unwanted attention.

The travel specialist cautioned passengers flying with major carriers this summer, including Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI, and recommended they choose a black suitcase instead.

He said: “Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won’t only be attractive to you. It’s best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one – as to not stand out from the crowd – and with it, a high-quality padlock,” reports the Express.

“This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe. You can add an identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid getting your luggage mistaken for someone else’s whilst still remaining subtle.”

He offered another handy security recommendation: “When packing, organise your items in three categories: extremely valuable (such as documents, credit cards, mobile phones and larger sums of cash), valuable (such as jewellery and other expensive items) and less valuable (such as clothes and self-care products).

“The extremely valuable items that don’t need to be used often at the airport should be placed in a money belt that will stay close to your body at all times until you reach your destination.

“The ones that need to be used at the airport should be placed in a small handbag or fanny pack that will stay in front of you at all times. When they’re not needed any longer, these items should be placed in the money belt. Larger valuables, such as laptops or tablets, can be placed in your carry-on luggage.

“Valuables such as jewellery should be strategically hidden among less valuable items, such as clothes, in your checked luggage.”

The packing technique called the “brick method” allows you to pack four weeks’ worth of clothing in a small carry-on suitcase.

For those plotting a brief spring or summer escape this year, splashing out on a hefty suitcase for the aircraft hold often feels like overkill. This is where honing your packing prowess becomes essential, whether you’re taking a small carry-on, a rucksack, or a holdall into the cabin.

Packing cubes have become a hit amongst globe-trotters on social media for their ability to organise belongings and optimise space. Yet, you must deploy them correctly to reap their full benefits.

TikTok user @kelsifymecapn has demonstrated that a straightforward packing technique can prove equally efficient, enabling you to squeeze four weeks’ worth of garments into a diminutive suitcase.

Kelsey captioned the video: “How to pack one month’s worth of clothes in only a carry-on suitcase.”

In this packing hack, dubbed the “brick method”, fold the trousers to a consistent size, then roll them up until they take on the appearance of a brick, thus explaining the name, reports the Express.

When it comes to bottoms with tie strings, fold them in half to conceal the ties first before rolling them up. Then, align the bottoms in a packing cube so the straps will compress the clothes.

Kelsey recommends wearing your bulkiest layers, like denim, on travel days to preserve space. Alternatively, lay them flat over the top before zipping your packing cube shut.

For tops and shirts, follow the same method as trousers – fold everything into a uniform size. Fold button-down shirts with buttons facing you to reduce bulk.

Tuck any hoods and vest straps inwards to minimise bulk. Kelsey explains: “Your items should become similarly sized ‘bricks’, so they’ll fit uniformly in the cubes.”

For those seeking alternative packing strategies to try out this summer and who’d rather skip the packing cubes, influencer Chantel Mila offers an excellent tip.

She suggests standing your suitcase upright instead of laying it flat on the floor, and arranging your belongings vertically in columns.

This approach not only maximises space but also provides a clearer view of all your items, making the unpacking process far simpler once you reach your destination.

While it may not be at the top of your packing list, health experts tell passengers to pack a tennis ball in their hand luggage when flying long-haul for one reason

Packing a tennis ball isn’t to cure mid-flight boredom, it’s actually for something much more important.

If you’re already packing your bags for a holiday, or starting to think about where to jet off to in the summer, make sure you remember to pack a tennis ball.

According to health experts, they can help avoid stiffness or aches while in the air, as well as helping to enhance circulation. They can be used by gently applying pressure and rolling it up and down the thighs, legs, or even shoulders mid flight.

If you’re prone to feeling a bit groggy and sore after a flight, this handy trick might just do the job – and it won’t take up too much room in your carry on bag either.

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Osteopath Tracy Hannigan urged all passengers to pack one and said: “A tennis ball is small and light and can help you to apply soothing pressure to points you might otherwise not be able to reach,” as reported by Metro, and added: “‘A tennis ball is small and light and can help you to apply soothing pressure to points you might otherwise not be able to reach.”

If you do struggle with stiffness, the expert also recommended stretching regularly to help, noting that the side of the neck can be extended by “turning the chin towards the armpit and gently applying pressure to stretch the opposite side of the neck.”

She said you can also stretch your lower back in your plane seat by crossing your legs and leaning forward as if you’re “trying to reach down to the crossed-over foot with your elbow.”

Another of Tracy’s hacks is to use a hand towel and put the tennis ball in the middle of it and “roll it like a sausage” so when you apply pressure with the ball, it’s “easier to position” and will also help to keep it in position.

Flight attendant Cher, who has been working on aircrafts for five years, has also shared some of her own travel hacks, including urging people to put important items in carry-on baggage rather than checked suitcases. She even recommends these essentials be kept in the personal bag that sits at your feet.

She warned: “It is not uncommon for somebody to mistake your carry on as theirs and take it off. I have seen this dozens of times.” Cher advises packing underwear, a toothbrush, toiletries or “anything you couldn’t go a couple days without” in this bag. She noted: “The best thing in aviation is to basically prepare for the worst.

“Flight attendant bags are marked up to the nines with custom tags so we can identify them as ours. I would recommend doing something on your bag that will prevent somebody else from confusing it as theirs.

A travel expert who has visited over 60 countries has shared that an everyday item most people pack for their holidays is weighing them down

February is a dreary month, with never-ending grey skies, and many of us begin browsing holiday offers to find somewhere more appealing to visit in the summer. However, people often overlook how stressful packing can be, and there is nothing worse than lugging a heavy suitcase whilst rushing around to catch a flight or train.

Amanda Williams, a travel expert and founder of Dangerous Business, has visited over 60 countries, and the biggest mistake to make whilst travelling is packing too many pairs of jeans. She said: “You may have learned this the hard way already, but actual denim is HEAVY, bulky, and slow to dry if you have to wash it on the road. If you’re going to pack jeans on a trip, I recommend only taking one or two pairs max, along with some non-denim pants or bottoms.”

Jeans are a dependable everyday staple at home, which often makes them seem like a sensible choice for a holiday.

However, denim is a thick fabric that does not fold easily, so even a few pairs of jeans can take up a lot of space and add considerable weight to a suitcase.

They are also uncomfortable in warm weather or when sitting for extended periods, making them unsuitable for most summer destinations, reports the Express.

Most people only wear jeans once or twice whilst on holiday, and it will be more practical in the long run to pack just one pair if you are going somewhere warm. Instead, consider packing lightweight trousers that dry swiftly, such as chinos, shorts, dresses, skirts or even jeggings, as it will make lugging a suitcase considerably easier.

It’s also preferable to avoid packing a different outfit for every day, and instead select pieces that can be combined and coordinated to conserve space.

Amanda said: “My rule is usually four bottoms, five to seven tops, two layering pieces (like cardigans), and two to three dresses. Add in accessories like jewellery or maybe a scarf, and you can get a lot of outfits out of that amount of clothing!”

Only pack items you’re sure you’ll use, as travellers often squander space bringing things like hiking boots when they’ve made no firm plans to go mountain climbing.

Similarly, avoid packing gym clothes unless you regularly exercise at home, as you’re unlikely to feel inspired to work out whilst unwinding on holiday.

It may seem straightforward, but investing time to evaluate how practical each garment will be whilst travelling can save suitcase space and prevent exceeding luggage weight restrictions.